Cincinnati Zoo | Hippo Exhibit

With the Cincinnati Zoo welcoming the newest member of its family in 2017, Fiona the baby hippo became a national icon seemingly overnight. The zoologists wanted a way to enhance the experience for all visitors to the hippo exhibit in order to more fully enhance their knowledge of the graceful, yet misunderstood hippopotami.

We were tasked with creating a more inviting habitat not only for the animals, but the human visitors as well. By enlarging the viewing glass area and adding a wooden canopy over the viewing area, visitors can enjoy watching baby Fiona and mother Bibi glide through the water before their eyes while simultaneously learning about the dwindling numbers of hippos in the wild due to human intervention. The zoo’s hope is to have visitors fall in love with the hippo species which will help raise awareness about these troubling statistics and encourage visitors to help with the cause of saving this majestic mammal.

The actual oasis for the hippos was enhanced with a larger area to roam and get away from the human visitors if they desire. The vegetation was carefully selected to create a more inviting and homey experience for the hippos and humans alike.

Designed by John.